Australia on a Budget – 10 Ways to Save on Australia Travel

Australia is the country of a vibrant culture, breathtaking natural beauties and some of the most livable cities in the world, and you’ll fall in love with all of them. However, a trip to Australia can be quite pricey, especially if you don’t have a travel plan. Luckily for you, there are budget-friendly ways that can help you plan an affordable yet memorable journey to Australia.

1. Start with research

Instead of hopping on a plane to Sydney, take some time to plan and prepare for your trip. The first thing you need to do is determine your exact destination. Surely, Sydney is one of the world’s most popular metropolises, but it’s also the most expensive city in Australia. Generally, the East Coast will set you back a sizable amount of money, so consider other parts of Australia you can visit.

2. Mind the time

Once you’ve decided where you want to go, you need to determine the time. If you’re travelling on a tight budget, you should consider visiting Australia offseason when prices and number of tourists are much lower. This way, you’ll be able to save some money, and explore Australia in peace.

3. Book your airfare in advance

The next order of business is booking your airfare. Booking an airline ticket a month before your trip will cost you a fortune. Instead, try to book a ticket as early as possible because you’ll be able to find a lot of discounts, and the price will generally be more affordable.

4. Don’t forget the exchange rates

To avoid losing money because of the fluctuations in international exchange rates, you should prepay for your airfare, accommodation and tour packages. Prepaying in your own currency is the safest option that will help you control your costs and avoid losing money because of last-minute fluctuations.

5. Outline your itinerary

Planning your own trip provides you with a lot of flexibility and opportunities to make unplanned stops and turns. However, roughly outlining your itinerary will make planning other details, such as particular activities or booking accommodation, much easier. This way, you’ll be able to avoid unpredictable expenses and find affordable deals and offers.

6. Getting around

Deciding how you’ll get around the country or a particular city in advance can save you a lot of money. If you’re planning to rent a car, you can find a great deal even before you arrive in Australia. As for flights and buses, you can save money on travelling by finding passes or off-season discounts.

7. Plan your activities

Australia is the land of numerous attractions, and many of them are free of charge. Depending on the specific destination you choose, don’t miss the opportunity to visit famous landmarks – there are a lot of affordable tours. In addition, Australia is rich in natural beauties, so try to spend as much time outdoors as possible.

8. Time for food

Instead of spending a fortune on one meal in a fancy, high-end restaurant, you should go with more budget-friendly options. Buy groceries at local markets and prepare your meals by yourself, or ask around for intimate local restaurants. As for drinks, there’s nothing more affordable than happy hour.

9. Keeping in touch

When keeping in touch with your family and friends at home, under no circumstances should you use your home number. Instead, buy a local SIM with good coverage and reception to avoid the roaming charges.

10. Accommodation considerations

Staying in popular chain hotels will leave you broke before you know it, so you should consider some alternative options. If you want hotel amenities, you should opt for local hotels which are far less expensive. For example, Sydney offers affordable hotels near Randwick racecourse with an authentic local spirit. Your other options include apartment rentals, camping, apartment sharing or local resorts – just make sure to do a research beforehand.

If you’re travelling on a tight budget, don’t worry because you can still explore the best of Australia. As long as you plan in advance and follow these tips, money won’t be the problem.

About the author

Marie Nieves is a student and a blogger who loves unusual trips, gadgets and creative ideas. Marie loves to share her experiences and talk about practical solutions. She is an avid lover of photography interested in interior and exterior design and regular author on Smooth Decorator. You can find Marie on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and G+.

Susan Kessler

One day I decided to follow my passions and they took me to the 99-Cent Store, DSW, and countless other bargains. I wanted to share this ability to find great things at the best prices with others and The Frugal Diva was born. [More]